About

We are at a point in our society where the onus is on younger generations to truly influence the path we’re on. Today’s youth are inheriting a planet of rapidly changing ecosystems and declining natural resources. It is the responsibility of adults, whether in the capacity of a teacher or parent, to help equip youth with the tools and knowledge that will allow them to achieve positive environmental change in their own lives and their communities.

The Beyond Recycling programs aim to equip students with the knowledge they need to make important decisions for our planet. Throughout this program, students will look critically at the impact, or ecological footprint, of their schools, homes and businesses. Students will investigate the true environmental cost of a products lifecycle, including: extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, shipping, and distribution. The phenomenon of climate change will be explored and students will gain an understanding of the concept of cumulative impacts: that the choices they make on a daily basis contribute to the global issue of climate change. Through research, field trips, videos and special presentations, students will start to understand how our planet is impacted by our lifestyles, and the changes we can make to lighten our footprint.

Beyond Recycling was one of three programs that was inspired in Canmore, Alberta, by the success of the Rocky Mountain Flatbread company. http://www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/ The program was expanded and adapted to Fernie, with four years of program development led by Dawn Deydey and Megan Walsh to create the 120 page Beyond Recycling Program Manual with over 20 lessons. In 2009, the program was incorporated as a Wildsight Regional Education for Sustainable Living program. With the assistance of Program Manager Monica Nissen, the program has now expanded to ten communities throughout the Kootenays.